With high turnover and an overall caregiver crisis, it’s more important now than ever to increase morale and make your staff feel appreciated, valued and respected. Rewarding those staff members who go above and beyond the call of duty can encourage others to do the same. This will improve both the staff’s and residents’ spirits. Use these perks to applaud your employees’ hard work and boost morale.
APPRECIATION NOTES
There’s nothing quite like a handwritten note to make someone feel special. As a fun way to publicly recognize staff, have team members place their notes on a bulletin board in the community. That way everyone, including residents, have a chance to read the words of praise.
PTO FOR ANNIVERSARIES AND BIRTHDAYS
A little time away from work goes a long way when working in stressful environments. To curb burnout and show employees you care about their personal lives, award PTO for work anniversaries, birthdays, and other achievements. This can also be integrated into your recruitment strategy as a perk to attract new employees to your facility.
REWARDS FOR TOP PERFORMERS
Thank your weekly/monthly/yearly top performers for their hard work with a gift card or other small reward. Be systematic with how you determine the winner and make sure all your employees know the criteria (not calling off, punching in and out on time, providing quality care) to win.
LONGEVITY AWARDS
At a time when turnover is high, consider offering longevity bonuses instead of a sign-on bonus. A longevity bonus encourages your employees to stay with your organization.
CUSTOMIZED EMPLOYEE WELCOME PACKAGES
When you bring on new employees, consider adding a personal touch. While candidates are interviewing, ask about their favorite hobbies, interests, restaurants. When that person joins your team, customize a welcome package built just for them. You can include a small gift card, a note from their co-workers and other items to show you are invested in them personally and excited to have them start.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION DATE CELEBRATIONS
Do something special for staff, such as bringing in donuts, to show how much you appreciate them during recognition holidays like Employee Appreciation Day, National Nursing Assistants Week, and National Assisted Living Week.
Adding a few employee perks can do wonders for your organization in terms of improving morale and creating a great working environment.
NEXT INSTALLMENT: Perks to Encourage Healthy Lifestyles
